Like Someone In Love (S.Nestico)

"Like Someone In Love," a timeless ballad from the Great American Songbook, was originally composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke for the 1944 film *Belle of the Yukon*. While not immediately a chart-topper, its sophisticated melody and evocative harmonies quickly resonated with jazz musicians, solidifying its status as an indispensable jazz standard. Frank Sinatra's iconic 1957 recording with Nelson Riddle's lush orchestration is often cited as a definitive vocal interpretation, while instrumentalists from Dexter Gordon to Bill Evans have explored its rich harmonic landscape. The piece embodies the romantic, elegant spirit of mid-20th century American popular music, offering a blend of melodic accessibility and harmonic depth that makes it a perennial favorite for improvisation and arrangement. Its AABA form and gentle, flowing chord changes provide a perfect canvas for both melodic interpretation and harmonic exploration. Sammy Nestico's arrangement of "Like Someone In Love" for concert band transforms this intimate jazz standard into a vibrant, swinging showcase for the full ensemble. Nestico, a master of big band writing renowned for his impeccable voicings and sophisticated yet accessible charts, approaches this piece with his characteristic blend of warmth and precision. The arrangement opens with a beautifully voiced, lyrical statement of the melody, often carried by woodwinds or a featured brass section, immediately establishing a medium swing feel at approximately 120-130 bpm. Nestico's signature close-harmony voicings are evident throughout, particularly in the brass and saxophone sections, creating a rich, full sound that is both powerful and transparent. Expect expertly crafted soli sections where different instrumental families engage in melodic interplay, showcasing the ensemble's blend and balance. A hallmark of Nestico's style is his ability to build dynamic intensity and orchestral color without sacrificing clarity. This arrangement features a carefully constructed progression, leading to a dynamic shout chorus that allows the full concert band to shine. While the original melody is consistently present, Nestico interweaves counter-melodies and rhythmic figures that add depth and excitement. The arrangement typically features an improvised solo section, often for alto saxophone or trumpet, providing an opportunity for a featured soloist to interpret the standard's changes. Technical challenges include maintaining a consistent, relaxed swing feel, precise articulation in the brass, and achieving balanced voicings across the diverse instrumentation of a concert band. The rewarding aspect lies in performing Nestico's masterful orchestration, which allows each section to contribute to a cohesive and emotionally resonant performance, evoking the joy and tenderness inherent in the original composition. This arrangement is ideally suited for high school, college, and community concert bands seeking to expand their repertoire with a sophisticated yet approachable jazz standard. Its clear structure, idiomatic writing for each instrument, and the inherent musicality of Nestico's arrangement make it an excellent teaching tool for developing swing feel, ensemble precision, and dynamic control. More experienced ensembles will appreciate the nuances in Nestico's voicings and the opportunities for expressive phrasing, making it a valuable addition to any concert program. This arrangement of "Like Someone In Love" thrives on a relaxed, medium swing feel, ideally around 120-130 bpm. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, unhurried pulse, avoiding any tendency to rush. Key technical challenges include achieving precise articulation in the brass, particularly in the syncopated figures, and ensuring clean releases. Woodwind sections must focus on blend and intonation in the lyrical melodic lines and soli passages. Encourage a light, buoyant approach to the eighth notes, emphasizing the swing subdivision rather than a straight feel. The dynamic contrasts are crucial; Nestico's writing often moves from soft, intimate moments to powerful, full-ensemble statements, requiring careful control. Rehearsal should focus on balancing the rich voicings, especially in the brass and saxophone soli sections, ensuring that inner voices are heard without overpowering the melodic lines. Pay close attention to cut-offs and phrase endings to maintain the elegance of the piece. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This concert band arrangement includes standard instrumentation: flutes, oboe, bassoons, clarinets, bass clarinets, alto saxophones, tenor saxophones, baritone saxophone, trumpets, French horns, trombones, euphonium, tuba, string bass, and percussion. Specific percussion parts typically include drum set, along with optional auxiliary percussion. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is rated as medium-advanced. It requires a solid understanding of swing rhythm, good ensemble blend and balance, and capable section leaders. While technically accessible for many, the musicality and nuance of Nestico's writing demand mature interpretation. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "Like Someone In Love"? A: This piece is a classic jazz standard from the Great American Songbook, originally composed by Jimmy Van Heusen in 1944. It embodies the sophisticated, romantic ballad style of the mid-20th century, frequently performed by jazz vocalists and instrumentalists. Q: What makes Sammy Nestico's arrangement of this piece unique? A: Nestico's arrangement is characterized by his signature lush, close-harmony voicings, particularly in the brass and saxophones, and his masterful orchestration that allows the full concert band to capture a genuine big band swing feel. It features dynamic contrasts, engaging soli sections, and a powerful shout chorus, all while maintaining the lyrical integrity of the original standard. Q: What is the typical performance duration of this arrangement? A: The performance duration for this arrangement typically ranges from approximately 3 to 4.5 minutes, depending on the tempo chosen and the length of any improvised solo sections. It is generally performed at a medium swing tempo, around 120-130 beats per minute.